KOMO 520 Bridge investigation
Our ongoing investigation "Under the Bridge" has uncovered a pattern of design flaws, construction mistakes and contract violations made in the building of the largest floating bridge in the world. At $4.1 billion, construction of Seattle's 520 Floating Bridge is the most expensive taxpayer-funded project in Washington state history.
Construction on the bridge is expected to last another two years, and with their work only just beginning, so has ours. We continue to be the only local news entity breaking new information about the problems with the project and are dedicated to continuing that commitment. It's an issue that not only affects every single taxpayer in this state but questions the personal safety of every single driver who will cross the largest floating bridge in the world. Our investigation has forced those in charge to take a look at what's really happening Under the Bridge.
Previous coverage:
- Sources: WSDOT workers to be disciplined over 520 errors
- Inslee on 520 Bridge mistakes: 'This is not going to happen again'
- 520 Bridge mistakes have already cost taxpayers $100M
- WSDOT admits mistakes on 520 Bridge pontoons
- Whistleblower: Formal probe needed into 520 bridge dangers
- Judge rules WSDOT must turn over 520 Bridge documents
- Taxpayers on the hook for millions in new 520 Bridge repairs
- 520 bridge contractor blamed for B.C. bridge mishap
- WSDOT: Leaking pontoons to delay bridge by up to 6 months
- Former inspector: New 520 Bridge 'a disaster waiting to happen'
- KOMO investigators uncover more problems with Kiewit Construction
- Professionals call for state to reject new 520 bridge pontoons
- Investigation uncovers widespread leaks on new 520 pontoons
- Cracks found in more 520 Bridge pontoons
- WSDOT will not reject leaking 520 Bridge pontoons
- WSDOT secrets: Inside the 520 Bridge investigation
- Are shortcuts compromising safety of new 520 bridge?
- New claims of 520 Bridge workers drinking at second jobsite
- Hidden camera shows workers on 520 Bridge project drinking on job
Supporting documents:
- Inspection videos, leak reports and contractor emails
- Pontoon "R" Crack Maps, 2nd Cycle of Pontoons
- Time & Budget estimates for three major 520 Bridge contracts: 1, 2, 3
- Expert Panel: Internal Review
- Expert Panel: Pontoon Construction Report
- Whistleblower Complaint
- WSDOT Internal Audit & WSDOT Supplemental Audit Information
- Early Documentation of Widespread Pontoon problems
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tracyv@komotv.com |
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Tracy,
All the people you are maligning are Washington taxpayers and voters who and indeed bear responsibility for mistakes. To say there are contract violations comes from what fact you have presented? Your news group is not the only local news enity breaking this 'story'. More responsible engineering magazines and local stations are presenting unbiased reporting and presenting it to us with the correct timelines. You seem to take credit for forcing those in charge to take action but this acting and soap opera presentation will be shown for its worth when the truth can be told.
Governor Inslee,
If you want the truth behind the damaged pontoons, I suggest you remove the gag order imposed on WSDOT employee's and let Komo Problem Solvers interview them. This gag order was ordered by Paula Hammond. She is hiding something that would incriminate her and upper management of WSDOT. One manager  just resigned yesterday. Are the rats leaving the sinking ship? Before you make any judgments on the WSDOT Bridge Designers and their supervisors, let them tell their side of the story. Thank you for your time in this important matter.
Yours truly,
The Truth
Please tell me it wasn't Mr J.K., PE, SE